nip

in the nip naked. Irish informal

nip something in the bud suppress or destroy something at an early stage.

☞ This phrase refers to the horticultural practice of pinching out plant buds to prevent the development of shoots or flowers. Nip in this sense was used figuratively in the late 16th century, and nip in the bud in the early 17th century.

nip and tuck very closely contested; neck and neck.

☞ The phrase, which emerged in the US in the 19th century, probably came from the field of sewing or tailoring.

2002Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society The rough and tumble Senate race is generally regarded as nip and tuck, likely to be decided by a close margin

put in the nips cadge, borrow, or extort money. Australian & New Zealand informal